Central Jersey native Casey Cahill has been an effective option out of the Patriots' bullpen since 2007. (MyCentralJersey.com file photo)

Cahill, a New Brunswick native who attended Immaculata High School, originally joined the Patriots in 2007. A 2008 All-Star, the 27-year-old right-hander finished 6-3 with a 3.33 ERA last season, eclipsing 50 appearances for the second straight season.

“Casey became a real leader for our team on the field, in the clubhouse, and in the community,” Patriots president and general manager Patrick McVerry said. “He’s the type of player you want on your team because not only is he a good pitcher, he’s a great guy who really understands what we are about.”

Burke, 26, hit .279 in 107 games last season, but made his biggest impact with his glove. He posted a .992 fielding percentage in 473 total chances at first base and did not commit an error in 74 total chances at the corner outfield positions.

“Joe came back last year and proved that he is a solid player,” McVerry said. “He’s one of the best defensive first basemen I think this league has seen in a very long time and we look for him to continue to grow.”

About Ryan Dunleavy

Ryan Dunleavy has covered Rutgers athletics for more than a decade, dating back to his days as a student at his alma mater. He became New Jersey Press Media’s Rutgers women’s basketball beat writer in 2009 and Rutgers football beat writer in 2013. Since joining the staff in 2004, the Morris County native also has covered the NFL, MLB, NBA, the Somerset Patriots and high school sports.